Teen drowns in sea off Southern Leyte town

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ORMOC CITY – A 17-year-old teen died when he drowned Tuesday, Feb. 8, while swimming in the sea at Barangay District I, Hinundayan town, Southern Leyte.

Romil Gata was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival by the attending physician.

Lt. Col. Ma. Bella Rentuaya, the spokesperson of the Eastern Visayas police, said Gata, together with his father Ranil, went swimming to relax.

Ranil, she said, swam to a deep area of the sea while the victim remained at a shallow portion.

However, strong waves brought Gata to a deeper part of the sea.

“The victim did not know how to swim. He fought hard to return to the shore but failed,” Rentuaya said.

Rescue groups tried their best to revive the victim but failed.

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